Elder Care Cost: Denver, CO vs Portland, OR (2026)
Denver, CO assisted living runs $5,100/month — $300/month less than Portland, OR's $5,400/month. That's $3,600/year.
Denver, CO, CO
$5,100
assisted living/month
+$600 vs national avg
Portland, OR, OR
$5,400
assisted living/month
+$900 vs national avg
Denver, CO vs Portland, OR — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Denver, CO | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $5,100/mo ✓ | $5,400/mo |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $10,500/mo ✓ | $11,500/mo |
| In-Home Aide | $5,900/mo ✓ | $6,300/mo |
| Memory Care | $7,000/mo ✓ | $7,500/mo |
| Adult Day Care | $1,700/mo ✓ | $1,900/mo |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Denver, CO costs $61,200/year vs Portland, OR's $64,800/year.
Monthly savings
$300
Annual savings
$3,600
2-year total savings
$7,200
% difference
6%
Savings = Portland, OR cost minus Denver, CO cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Denver, CO is more affordable — lower cost on 5 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in Denver, CO or Portland, OR?
Denver, CO has lower assisted living costs at $5,100/month vs. $5,400/month in Portland, OR — a difference of $300/month ($3,600/year).
What types of elder care are compared here?
This page compares five common senior care types: assisted living, nursing home (private room), in-home aide (44 hrs/week), memory care, and adult day care. These cover the full range from part-time supervision to full residential skilled nursing care.
How do these cities compare to the national average?
The national average for assisted living is $4,500/month. Denver, CO is $600 above the national average. Portland, OR is $900 above the national average.